The ELISA Business Summit 2026 in Hwange brought together African and global leaders to discuss business growth under AfCFTA. Speakers emphasised that without production capacity, trade integration could increase dependency rather than growth. The summit highlighted the need for local investment, policy support, and stronger cross-border business systems.
Hwange National Park hosted the 2026 ELISA Business Summit on 19 March, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and traditional leaders from more than 20 countries to discuss how African businesses can compete across borders under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The summit, held at Gwango Heritage Resort in Dete and hosted by UZA president Elisabeth Valerio, ran under the theme Business Beyond Borders. Delegates included prominent figures such as Peter Ndoro, Nigel Chanakira, and Stephen Chikozho, among others, reflecting a strong mix of business leadership and thought leadership.
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Before formal sessions began, traditional leaders including Chief Dingani-Nelukoba, Acting Chief Shana, and Chief Mvuthu opened the summit, emphasising the importance of aligning enterprise development with community values. Their presence highlighted the continued influence of traditional institutions in shaping economic activity across Africa.
Government representation was also noted, with Mr Tapera Mugoriya from the Office of the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution attending. His participation signalled that enterprise development remains a shared responsibility between the public and private sectors.
Local entrepreneur Kitso Dube, who operates a farm and four supermarkets in Hwange, raised concerns about visibility for small businesses. “Some of us are solving real problems but are underexposed. How do we position ourselves amongst the noise of everyday influencers?” she said, pointing to challenges faced by grassroots entrepreneurs seeking broader markets.
In her keynote address, Valerio delivered one of the summit’s central messages, stating that integration alone is not enough to drive economic growth. “Integration without capacity creates exposure. Integration without production creates dependence,” she said, referring to the opportunities and risks presented by AfCFTA.
She explained that while AfCFTA is opening markets and reducing trade barriers, many African businesses still lack the production systems and infrastructure needed to compete effectively. According to her, enterprises must shift from survival within local markets to deliberate strategies for regional competitiveness.
Nigel Chanakira reinforced this position during panel discussions, calling for stronger support of local industries. He urged African consumers and businesses to prioritise locally produced goods and services, arguing that capital outflows weaken domestic enterprises and limit job creation.
The summit also featured the ELISA Business Scholars programme, which brought together eleven entrepreneurs from countries including Namibia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Malawi, Rwanda, and Cameroon. Participants underwent a four-day programme focused on mentorship, strategy development, and investor readiness.
During the Beyond Borders Live Pitch session, entrepreneurs presented scalable business ideas to investors. Josephine Edward from Namibia showcased a fertiliser solution derived from seaweed, while Dr Betelehem Berhanu Geremew from Ethiopia presented a manufacturing approach to improve healthcare and hygiene supply chains. Both pitches demonstrated the importance of local production in addressing Africa’s economic challenges.
Another insight came from Ethiopian entrepreneur Ribka Getu Tadesse, who highlighted Rwanda as a preferred business destination due to its supportive policies for foreign African entrepreneurs. Her remarks pointed to ongoing challenges across the continent regarding ease of doing business for intra-African investors.
The summit concluded with strategic sessions on capital readiness, cross-border expansion, and mentorship planning. A sunset safari within Hwange National Park provided an informal setting for networking, reinforcing collaboration among participants from different sectors and countries.
Organisers noted that Hwange’s unique setting also highlights Zimbabwe’s potential in Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism. The location demonstrated how business events can be integrated with natural attractions to create high-value experiences for international delegates.
Overall, the ELISA Business Summit 2026 emphasised that AfCFTA success will depend on strengthening production capacity, supporting local enterprises, and building systems that enable African businesses to scale beyond their borders.
